Goodbyes and Hellos

I have had the privilege of being part of a great Christian organization called Tampa Bay Tres Dias. They are my friends…they are my family.

I attended this wonderful Christ encounter in the Fall of 2006 and have served the Community twice per year, every year, ever since. Through my experience with Tres Dias, I was transformed and my spiritual walk skyrocketed as I pursued my God. They were my ministry. Equally as grateful, my precious husband, Curtis, also transformed while serving and growing in a deeper relationship with God thus setting us on a course together in pursuit of our calling.

Romans 12:2,6a – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God…Having then gifts [talents] differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…”

I never perceived the idea that our calling would actually call us away from our TBTD family; but it has. Several months ago our wonderful pastors and friends, Ken and Lesa Henderson of Riverview Fellowship Church, followed the Lord’s prompting and invited us to join their ministry. At the time, our church building was being sold and our church body was being displaced. As homeschoolers and business owners, our family could easily relocate to attend church in a new location. But, the invite was to join their ministry…their calling to follow Jesus’ example to build the five-fold ministry and launch Cornerstone School of Supernatural Ministry.

Our hearts literally leaped at the mention of the word “ministry” but didn’t understand the fullness of this impact. We did what we always do and we sought God for His direction for us. I remember journaling (see my blog on Joys of Journaling: It’s Importance & How to Do It Effectively) and the Lord telling us to follow them. At the time, we had no idea where we were following them to, but to just obey. It could have been Tennessee or Miami, FL…but we were only to obey and accept the call.

When our pastors told us the Lord led them to pastor in Merritt Island, I remember asking if it was in Florida! I never heard of this city before (I’m a Northerner from NJ and even after 11 wonderful years in the Sunshine State, I’m still discovering different areas.) Then I discovered it was on the east coast, several hours from my family and friends. I immediately started calculating the drive to attend the team meetings for the upcoming Tres Dias weekend encounters and reminded myself how I love to drive so it wouldn’t be a problem. But while attending a meeting last February, a Spiritual Director challenged us with a question:“What is God asking you to surrender that is no longer necessary in order to do what He’s calling you to do?“THAT was it, the question giving rise to the answer I feared…

As I wrote down the question in my journal, I already sensed the Holy Spirit answering before I could take my next breath. He asked me to lay down and surrender Tres Dias to Him in order to pursue my calling in ministry. For the next several months, God confirmed this move many times and reminded me not to mourn the past but to look with joyful anticipation of what is to come.

Here’s an excerpt from my journal on 04/08/14: Do not mourn the past for your identity does not come from Tres Dias but from who you are in Me. People are moved and transformed by the word of your testimony because your actions to follow Me no matter the cost, without compromise, shows your love and reverence for Me.

As I type this, I’m in my final days of packing before our move in mid-August. My heart aches as I think of leaving countless friends who mean the world to me as they have touched my heart…of those very close to me who have walked through the many joys and heartaches I have journeyed through…of those who’ve ministered, encouraged, supported, prayed, laughed and cried with me…for I wouldn’t be the person I am in Christ without them. BUT, my heart also aches for the hunger not yet quenched by ministering to and with my new church family in Merritt Island. I long to move already and begin this new season!

What is God asking you to surrender in order to pursue His purpose for you? Take time to seek Him and use your journal to record it. As the storms of life have hit our family the past year, doubt easily creeps in. My journals have been my life-line to go back and read and remember His promises, confirmations and His calling.

Don’t delay. He’s waiting for you. He loves you and He has a very specific plan just for you.